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TikTok is back after about half a day of being blocked in the US. Photo: Reuters . |
TikTok was back in the US early on January 20 (Vietnam time). Some users reported being able to access the service, while others were still unable to use it. As of 6:30 a.m., the app was still not available for search on the App Store and Play Store in the US.
When opening TikTok, users are notified that the company is "in the process of reopening the service."
"Thanks to President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the US," the app announced. This means users in the US were interrupted for about half a day after the ban on TikTok took effect.
Previously, Mr. Trump said he would sign an executive order immediately after taking office to extend the TikTok ban in effect, in order to "reach an agreement to ensure national security".
At the time of TikTok's shutdown, Apple listed all affected apps, making them inaccessible in the U.S. This is a rare move because the iPhone maker typically does not disclose information when blocking apps, according to TechCrunch .
Notably, other ByteDance apps, including CapCut, Lemon8 — which has skyrocketed in the past few months — and Marvel Snap, are also among the blocked apps.
The list of apps removed from the US App Store includes: TikTok, TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, CapCut, Lemon8, Hypic, Lark – Team Collaboration, Lark – Rooms Display, Lark Rooms Controller, Gauth: AI Study Companion, MARVEL SNAP.
"Apple is obligated to comply with the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. In accordance with the Protecting Americans from Apps Controlled by Foreign Adversaries Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States effective January 19, 2025," Apple said in a document released after removing TikTok from the App Store.
The document also notes that people who visit the US and set up the App Store in a non-US region will also not be able to update or purchase in-app items.
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TikTok's message when users in the US open the app. Photo: 9to5mac. |
TikTok and other ByteDance apps were banned by a bill passed last year that forced the company to sell the short -video social network or face a ban.
Last week, the US Supreme Court ruled to enforce the rule, leading Apple and Google to block the app late on January 19. TikTok is also no longer available to US users who downloaded it earlier.
In a message to users trying to access the app, TikTok said: "We are fortunate that President Trump has said he will work with us to find a solution to restore TikTok after he takes office. Stay tuned."
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